Immigration News September 2023
September 7, 2023
Time Sensitive Reminders for F-1 Students
F-1 Optional Practical Training
If you will graduate in the summer 2023 semester, you may be eligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information attend an OPT workshop on iComet or visit the ISSO Optional Practical Training webpage.
If you plan to graduate in the fall 2023 semester, the first day to apply for Post-Completion OPT is September 16, 2023. Please keep in mind that prior to requesting your OPT I-20, you must do the following:
- Attend the OPT workshop
- Apply for graduation
Event: UCC + Interstride: Job Search Strategies for International Students
The University Career Center has partnered with a career resource designed for international students – Interstride. Interstride is a platform that helps students with their job search. They offer a very user-friendly database of employment opportunities with companies that have historically hired international students, including Top-500 H-1B visa sponsors, CPT and OPT employers, along with other helpful resources.
Join UCC on Tuesday, September 19th 2023 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm to learn more about the Interstride platform and how to effectively search for jobs and internships as an international student. Click here to register for the event on Microsoft Teams.
Other International Student Events with UCC in September/October
The University Career Center will be hosting other career-related events for international students in September. Interested students may register through Handshake.
| UCC and ICP: Job and Internship Search Strategies for International students September 8, 2023 • 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm CDT |
| UCC and ICP: Secrets for International Students to Getting an On-Campus Job September 11, 2023 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT |
| UCC and ICP: Panel Discussion of International Students in the U.S. Labor Market September 26, 2023 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT |
| ICP and UCC: Panel Discussion of International Students in the Global Market October 3, 2023 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT |
Drop-in ISSO Appointments Available in JSOM CMC for August and September
Starting the first day of classes (August 21) and through the month of September, ISSO advising will also be available in the JSOM Career Management Center on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. Available appointments will be on a first-come-first-serve basis, only a limited number of students can be seen per advising window. Timely arrive to the CMC and sign in at the front desk if you wish to see an ISSO advisor for drop-in advising.
Let’s Chat
Beginning in the month of September, a University Counseling Center staff member will be available for drop in appointments in the ISSO (SSB 3.400). Come chat with Samreen Khondker every other Wednesday beginning on 9/13/23 from 1-2 pm. Whether you’re up for a convo about life, love, tackling stress, adjusting to a new environment, or just want to chat about anything on your mind – we’ve totally got your back! See you there!
Live CPT and OPT Workshops to Resume in October
While students may complete the CPT and OPT workshops online at any time in iComet, the ISSO also offers in-person and live virtual sessions of these workshops each semester. The available workshops for fall 2023 can be found on the Comet Calendar:
F-1 CPT Workshop (Live Virtual)
F-1 OPT Workshop (Live Virtual)
Please note that the earliest you may register for a live virtual workshop is 30 days in advance.
Fall 2023 Current Student Check In and Enrollment Reminders
The Current Student Check In eForm is now live in iComet. All continuing F-1 students who enroll in fall 2023 must complete the Check In before Census Day (September 6) to verify that you are physically present to attend the in-person components of our courses. See Launch of Current Student Check In – Fall 2023 for more information.
In addition, you must be meeting your F-1 enrollment requirements or be authorized for Reduced Course Load by the Census Day deadline to maintain your status for fall 2023. Review the F-1 Enrollment Requirements to ensure that you are correctly enrolled for fall.
Tornado Season
While tornados are rare, the International Center would like you to be prepared. Review the Tornadoes and Watch vs. Warning information on the UT Dallas Emergency Preparedness Information webpage, under the “Know Your Hazards” section. In the event that International Center staff are unavailable due to an emergency, call the UT Dallas Police Department at 972-883-2222. If the UT Dallas Police are unavailable, and you need critical immigration assistance or evacuation, contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov, or call 703-603-3400
Not All On-Campus Employment is Allowed for F-1 Students
On-campus employment options depend on where the work is physically located and who the employer is. F-1 students may work on campus, employed by UT Dallas, or by on-campus commercial firms that directly serve the UT Dallas student population (Chartwells, University Bookstore, etc.). Positions with third parties not providing services directly to students (alumni call center) or personal services for faculty or staff (housekeeping, lawn care) is not allowed. Refer to information on the F-1 Student Employment page for more information.
Report Visa Fraud
If you are aware of visa fraud or international students working unlawfully in the U.S., report it here: Email or Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
Help Keep our Campus Safe and Welcoming
All members of our University community share in a collective responsibility to make our campus peers feel welcome, safe and comfortable. Stand up and step in by recognizing potentially harmful situations (physical, mental, social or emotional) affecting individuals or groups, and respond in a way that could positively influence the outcome. For more information, visit Comet Voice.
ISSO is here for you
There are many ways to contact the ISSO. You can reach out through your iComet Portal, join us for a Live Chat online, or schedule an appointment. You can also check us out on Facebook Instagram, and LinkedIn. Watch the Comet Calendar for upcoming workshops and events!
